CBD Oil News
Is CBD a Drug?
Mar
You might know that CBD is a natural substance that comes from the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive, and it won’t make you feel high.
But is it a drug? And what is a drug, exactly?
What is a “Drug”?
In general, a drug is defined as:
“Any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body, alters the body’s function either physically and/or psychologically.”
This definition covers pharmaceuticals like aspirin or penicillin, as well as natural substances like cannabis. Many chemical drugs originally come from natural substances, so it makes sense that this definition applies broadly.
Is CBD a Drug?
By this general definition, CBD could be considered a drug. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ES), a complex signaling system in the body. The ES is involved in communication across the brain, digestive system, nervous system, major organs, and skin. CBD interacts with this system.
The FDA’s Stance
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a drug is a substance that:
- Is recognized by an official pharmacopoeia or formulary.
- Is intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.
- (Other than food) is intended to affect the structure or function of the body.
The FDA notes that aside from the CBD-based pharmaceutical Epidiolex, no other CBD products are FDA-approved as drugs. Epidiolex is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex.
So, Is CBD a Drug or Not?
It depends on how you define a drug. By the general definition, CBD could be considered a drug because it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. By the FDA’s definition, outside of Epidiolex, CBD is not an approved drug.
Either way, CBD remains a natural substance that many people explore as part of their wellness routines.
